*ASR: Automobile Shredder Residue.ASR is what remains after material recycling is done to recover as much
ferrous and non-ferrous metallic material as possible from the automobile shredder residue.

Nissan uses the lifecycle assessment (LCA) method to evaluate and comprehensively assess environmental impact in all stages of the vehicle lifecycle, from resource extraction to production, transport, customer use and vehicle disposal. LCAs are also carried out for new technologies as they are introduced with the goal of developing more environmentally friendly vehicles.

LCA results for major models

We have conducted LCAs since the early 1990s, and made quantitative comparisons to understand the environmental impact of materials that were changed in radiators, air conditioners, front-end modules and back doors etc.

Based on the results of the LCA Project carried out by the LCA Committee of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association from October 1997 to March 2001, we reviewed our in-house LCA methods and calculated results for our major models.

Life cycle CO2 emissions of Electric Vehicle Nissan LEAF

The companyís calculations show that over its lifecycle Nissan LEAF produces CO2 emissions up to 40% lower than gasoline-powered vehicles of the same class. In 2010, this assessment was certified by a third-party LCA organization, the Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry.
Nissan continues to make efforts for further CO2 emissions reduction beyond the electric vehicles through new technologies for improving drive-train and production efficiencies.

EV batteries can do more than just provide power for driving. As energy storage devices, they can play a key role in supporting the rollout of renewable energy with intermittent output, such as solar and wind power. By contributing to the shift to renewable energy , EVs play an essential role beyond transportation to achieve a low-carbon society.

LCA methodology certification

TUV Rheinland certificate

In December 2013, TUV Rheinland in Germany also certified Nissanís LCA methodology. This certification is based on ISO 14040/14044 standards and guarantees the soundness of the environmental impact calculations in Nissanís product LCAs. Nissan will base future LCAs for new vehicles on its certified methodology.

Click here for details on the LCA for e-NV200, our second all-electric vehicle.